Sport
Hollywood vs. Tradition: Wrexham’s Unlikely Rise Faces the Test of Birmingham
PHIL PARKINSON has had more season-defining matches as manager of Wrexham but he admits tonight’s clash with Birmingham City is one of the biggest games since he took charge at The Racecourse.
Last Saturday’s 3-0 derby win over Shrewsbury extended the unbeaten run to five matches and took Wrexham top of the table where they remain following results at the weekend.
Next up is the eagerly awaited clash against Birmingham at St Andrew’s.
The Blues, installed as promotion favourites and the club which spend the most money in the division during the summer transfer window, have fallen on hard times in recent years but a 30,000 sell-out crowd will see two unbeaten teams and rival big-hitters in the third tier battle it out in front of the live television cameras.
Parkinson, backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, said: “It is a big game because of the stature of Birmingham and the spending power they’ve had throughout the summer.
“We have had more season-defining games in terms of towards the end of the season – Boreham Wood, Notts County and Forest Green.
“Those types of games which were really defining moments in the club’s history.
“But in terms of profile, going to Birmingham and both club’s owners being from the USA and the attention the game has created, of course it is up there.
“It is a great indication of where we have come from that we are running out at St Andrews when two or three of years ago we were running out at Aldershot away.
“The difference is huge but it’s one I feel we are ready for and it is important that we show we belong on the stage.
“So far we have done that and our aim is can we keep proving that to people.”
Parkinson has been recognised for Wrexham’s unbeaten start by being named League One manager of the month for August.
The Reds have taken 13 points from a possible 15 going into the high-profile showdown with Birmingham and he added: “We are really enjoying being in this division and the games can’t come quick enough.
“I think the supporters are just like the players, they can’t wait for the next game and the next game is going to be an exciting one at St Andrew’s.”
